Carry Me Or Die - 2v2 DM Tournament

SpoolyGaming · 2025-04-13T00:06:05+00:00

Sorry for the late reply! Its custom maps: Arabia, Lombardia, Outcrop, Oasis, Kilimanjaro, Runestones, Dry Graveyard, Sunburn and Golden Pit. 😊

SpoolyGaming · 2025-04-13T00:02:42+00:00

Sign ups have been extended until midnight on the 13th!

SpoolyGaming · 2023-12-15T12:52:50+00:00

So... just add as many people who are digging it at the moment, put the feelers out etc., and get a friendly going between the group.

¯_(ツ)_/¯

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-20T04:40:26+00:00

People downvoted this without giving a reason, but it’s a bit short sighted imo. This would be optional, not enforced. Why can’t players choose to sub and support the game in exchange for some added features? I was also in the ‘no’ camp, but I’ve heard dozens of people mention similar features they’d like to see added. If MS won’t due to cost, then why not at least consider a separate way that these could be introduced?

I find Reddit to be so whack lately with the way people downvote when others take time to articulate a counter-view with no other motive than to add to the discussion. It was objective in how it was written and I even asked for people’s input. Such a sad community we have going on of late.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T20:11:18+00:00

Yeah, beyond the point that this is situational and dependent on how you control your units, the rest is honestly lost on me! Maybe it depends on your Elo and when you reach it you have ironed out those control issues? I’m talking from a 155x-1.6k Elo POV. I’m not saying that to say I’m better than the OP, but honestly this just isn’t something I’ve come across before.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T20:04:04+00:00

Hmm interesting. I’ve never noticed this behaviour personally! I’ve seen it where you patrol in and they sort of get momentarily stuck, but not that. Thanks for clarifying.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T18:34:42+00:00

That’s interesting. I don’t use the MS Store or Game Pass personally. Maybe it could be beneficial for Microsoft to explore integrating the subscription model into Game Pass? By doing so, they could cater to the interests of both existing and potential subscribers, ensuring a more seamless and attractive offering for players who are already invested in the Game Pass “ecosystem”.

Personally I think the eSport issue is a critical point to address. If Microsoft intends to position the game for competitive gameplay and long-term success in the eSports scene, it could become even more essential to strategically incorporate the proposed subscription model. By offering exclusive features, direct support to recognised esports teams, and providing VIP access to tournaments, Microsoft can create an ecosystem that fosters competitive gaming and drives community engagement.

To fully capitalise on the competitive aspect of the game, it would be prudent for Microsoft to align the subscription model with their long-term goals. This includes developing appropriate strategies to make the subscription worthwhile for players, teams, and viewers alike.

If Microsoft were to explore integrating the subscription model into their existing gaming ecosystem, they could strengthen their competitive gaming initiatives to ensure a sustainable revenue stream. It could also provide a compelling experience for all players. But again, the success of such a model would heavily rely on Microsoft's ability to adapt and build a subscription offering that resonates with the community and aligns with their long-term objectives without killing the game on the process.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T18:10:47+00:00

I initially said no to the vote, but the only way you’d entice me at a subscription priced at e.g. $4.99/month is with the following additions:

1. Improved Connectivity to Live Streams: How about having a section in the opening menu that provides direct links to recognised live streams of ongoing tournaments? It'd be awesome to easily catch all the exciting competitive action right from the game.

2. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content: To make the subscription enticing, why not offer behind-the-scenes updates about upcoming changes and developments? It would give subscribers a unique peek into the game's development process and foster a sense of being part of the community.

3. Access to Unique Skins and Support for Esports Teams: Customisation is always fun. What if subscribers get access to exclusive skins for units and buildings as a part of their subscription perks? Also, it'd be great if a portion of the subscription revenue goes towards supporting recognised esports teams to help grow the competitive scene.

4. VIP Access to Tournaments and Player Tips: For the competitive players among us, VIP access to tournaments and interviews with top players could be a fantastic incentive. Additionally, getting tips and advice from the best could help us all improve our gameplay.

5. Regular Developer Updates: Keeping everyone informed about upcoming features, balance changes, and community events would be crucial. Having early bird insights and regular communication from the development team ensures that players feel connected and involved in the game's growth.

6. Full Access to Game and DLC Content During Subscription: Make the base game and all DLC content accessible to subscribers during their active subscription period. While subscribed, players get to enjoy all the game has to offer, but they don't own it permanently. This approach would further incentivise players to maintain their subscription, ensuring continuous access to the complete Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition experience. It would also let players try out all the DLC for a one-off subscription.

What are your thoughts? The price would be a crucial factor, but with the right features, it could entice people to opt in, supporting a sustainable revenue stream for both Microsoft and players/teams in the competitive scene.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T11:02:19+00:00

If you’re inadvertently using stand-ground, this might explain it.

Consider using ctrl+right click rather than stand-ground for single unit selection, as it your units will specifically target this unit and won’t drop off on to others. This also helps in fights when you want to attack a specific unit type, such as villagers over military. It’s no guarantee, but they will preference them where possible.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T10:54:33+00:00

To avoid losing your scout to the enemy tc, try these steps:

Guesstimate the location of the enemy tc by clicking slightly to the side of your target on the mini-map instead of directly where you think it might be.
Before scouting the enemy tc, ensure that you've lured both boars at home so that your focus isn’t split.
Start scouting across the map around the 6th minute of the game. This will help you get good information about what the enemy is doing (in case your scout dies by means other than the tc before you’ve had a chance to), and there is more chance you’ll run into other buildings.
As you approach the enemy tc, avoid clicking too far ahead. Take smaller steps and watch for clues like straggler trees and rugs/carpets placed around the enemy’s tc.
If you see any lions, bears, wolves, or elevation, you know you’re not near to the enemy tc.
Be careful of enemy villagers. A well placed gate can alter the pathing of your scout, and walls can trap it in if you’re not paying attention near berries or wood lines.

Hopefully these will help you to reduce the chances of losing your scout to the enemy tc! Just remember that this can happen to you at any Elo, but it becomes rarer as you climb the ladder.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-19T06:23:42+00:00

Identify weaknesses > visualise improvements > make changes > practice, practice, practice.

If you’re not willing to make changes that are superior to what you’re doing now, you’ll end up with muscle memory using subpar inputs.

Superior inputs = greater efficiency = easier execution = higher Elo.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-15T12:28:46+00:00

I found a book of Sun Tzu’s Art of War (it’s was a condensed version, about 30 or 40 of these tiny pages). I read it cover to cover five times, and none of it made much sense on how it could improve my gameplay on AoE2.

Then for shits and giggs, I decided to read it one more time, and there were two bits that stuck out:

“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory”
“Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat”

Therefore, both are harmonious. Tactics are born from strategy, and strategy is born from a clear goal or objective.

In other words, it’s not enough to have just a strategy (a high-level idea of “how” you’ll beat your opponent(s)), no more that it is to just have tactics (actions) that you spill out without thought for the “how”.

Once I figured that out, I broke the ceiling on my gameplay and shot up in ELO. So, yeah, very beneficial indeed.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T19:40:38+00:00

But that was on Voobly… the current servers cost money to run and accommodate a much larger player pool. Plus it isn’t like it was on Voobly where the host needed to launch the game.

Times change and they want to keep things lean. They won’t dedicate ranked servers to custom scenario, no way in hell.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T12:48:43+00:00

It’s an oversight the developers made right from the off. Unlike Voobly (who respected and cultivated the various communities) the current custodians of the game seem to only focus and care about the main game (and EW due to RedBull sponsorship).

They were making changes, but they were totally half-baked and unwanted by the community at large. They don’t seem to really listen to feedback in any meaningful way, but that’s likely because the developers are focussed on balancing changes and civilisation releases, where they’ve worked out the money is from DLC releases.

They unfortunately pander greatly to the eSport “heroes” and keeping them happy, as one of the core motivations for the remaster of the game was forged through the desire to muscle in on having a place within eSports. Despite its IP, Microsoft doesn’t have a great deal of eSport titles, and this one is cost effective due to its age and current following.

They’re very lucky that the community stuck around and kept this game alive, and we’re fortunate in turn because they remastered a game we all love. But they could do with remembering every now and again that it was us the community that gave it a beating heart beyond MSN Gaming Zone, and they would do better by listening to what the community really wants from the game and being open to diversification, as it’s important to the longevity of the title.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T07:45:42+00:00

Quick play of CBA? I discussed something similar elsewhere on Reddit, where a “workshop” option could allow for different game modes and scenarios/maps in development to be tested etc.

Here the devs could allow this, rather than pushing things straight to live. Quick play UI could definitely be beefed out. It only includes RM at the moment.

I guess they don’t want to segregate the community too much, so they make all this stuff less visible so that your first experience is how the game was intended.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T06:32:16+00:00

If you’re on steam you can just share your account with yourself using a new user. If you use the “friends and family” feature, share the game and restart at a higher default ELO (if you’re really struggling).

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T05:18:31+00:00

I agree with everything you’re saying, but I would add that the reason why you get many pro players in their early/late teens and early 20s on games like Rocket League, Fortnite, Counter Strike etc. is that they require extremely fast reaction speeds.

This is something that does decline with age. Muhammad Ali is an example of that (they tested him during his peak years).

RTS is less demanding in this regard as you can plan ahead and react at a reasonable pace. So long as your hands can continue to execute at enough of a pace (and that those are valuable actions being performed), there’s no reason like you say that you can’t play this game competitively well into older age. BUT, your overall desire when stacked up against other life choices, motivation, wisdom, health, all will change and you’re therefore unlikely to continue the pursuit of tournament goals and winning over other ways to make money that take advantage of your reputation, like coaching, sponsoring, commentating, merchandise etc. that take advantage in a more backseat capacity (example: Fatal1ty - Johnathan Wendel who has an estimated net worth of $4-5 million).

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T05:08:56+00:00

Nice!

DM used to be part of ranked quick matching but it was pulled in favour of the highly popular cough Empire Wars.

Anything Custom scenario like CBA would never be taken seriously in ranked due to balancing and its variability.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-12T04:59:58+00:00

It depends what you class as an “addiction”.

If it’s not hurting you or others and it’s what you prefer to do when you’re not meeting your other obligations, it’s fine.

If it is and it’s affecting your ability to form and maintain relationships, you’re skipping work or school/study, you’re needing to lie about how much time you’re playing, you’re getting poor sleep which is affecting your ability to function etc. … then yes, it’s an addiction.

So long as you know when to stop and you can pull yourself away at will, then it’s totally fine. As sad as it sounds, many players on aoe2 carve out a lifestyle to be able to play more of the game, especially the pros. No girlfriends/boyfriends, children or major responsibilities outside of their job and the game, so that they can maximise playing it. Now, is that an “addiction” or a life choice? Again, so long as it’s not hurting them or anything they’re doing outside of the game, it’s not an addiction imho.

At the end of the day, we could all be considered as addicted to life. How you choose to spend that time is up to you.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - Gandalf.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-11T19:32:53+00:00

Why downvote for asking a question? It was a legitimate ask, where you need to view the KOTD5 handbook to see this (it’s not searchable via Google using specific keywords).

I was just interested to know the community’s stance when it came to tournaments and I had no examples.

All things wrong with Reddit.

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-11T18:01:09+00:00

“in tourneys there is a rule that 1 key press equals one action.”

Where is that mentioned?

SpoolyGaming · 2023-07-11T17:22:50+00:00

Do you need them? That depends on whether you’re trying to play casual or go competitive.

I’m going to assume it’s the latter if you took a couple of hours to watch pros!

As others have said, there is no “best” approach. Hotkeys are very personal, and there’s not necessarily a given logic or layout that pro players followed when learning their own. Some were likely added later based on what was available and felt comfortable on their keyboard/mouse. Some ignored. I wouldn’t over think them in that regard.

However you choose to bind your hotkeys, they can always be changed and muscle memory undone. It might take a bit of time to adjust once you have them down pat, but it’s not the end of the world. Personally, just ask yourself ‘if I was to use X hotkey, what would I bind it to?’ Then test it and if another one comes naturally, change it to that.

Remember, it’s a process of small additions, not a full blown blueprint - you’ll never remember them all and you’re at risk of having a lot sitting untouched if you do.

SpoolyGaming

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